Asm. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 7132) amends New York's agriculture law to include "urban farming" within the legal definition of "farm operation" for agricultural district eligibility. It defines urban farming as growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants, along with limited livestock (like chickens or bees) and aquaculture. By expanding the definition, the bill allows urban farms - such as community gardens or small-scale city farms - to qualify for agricultural district benefits like tax incentives and land-use protections. This change directly affects urban farmers who previously could not access these programs under the law's existing definition. The amendment takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Requires the use of a fire-resistant blanket, bag or container when charging a bicycle with electric assist or an electric scooter; requires sellers of such vehicles to include a fire-resistant blanket, bag, or container with the sale of each e-bike or e-scooter; establishes fines.

Relates to preferences under the affordable home ownership development program for veterans with service-related disabilities; defines "veteran with a service-related disability".

Maddy summaryThis bill permits political parties to hold meetings, conventions, and caucuses via video-conferencing in 2025, with chairperson approval and required notice for participants. It also allows proxy voting, letting eligible members hold up to ten proxies or as many as their assembly district’s members (whichever is fewer), using a specified proxy form. The rules apply to all 2025 party events under election law and expire December 31, 2025. It directly affects political parties organizing these events, enabling remote participation and proxy voting for members who cannot attend in person.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal right to counsel for eligible immigrants in New York during immigration proceedings. It applies to income-eligible non-citizens or those with significant New York ties (like residents or cases tied to NY courts) facing removal or detention under federal immigration law. The New York State Office for New Americans will administer the program, providing initial consultations and ongoing legal representation starting when a case begins (e.g., upon receiving a "Notice to Appear") and continuing until the case concludes. Legal services must be offered regardless of the proceeding's location, including federal immigration courts outside New York.

Relates to establishing the housing access voucher program; provides that the commissioner of the division of housing and community renewal shall implement a program of rental assistance in the form of housing vouchers for eligible individuals and families who are homeless or who face an imminent loss of housing; provides that the commissioner shall designate housing access voucher local administrators in the state to administer the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that batteries used in electric-assist bicycles and electric scooters must be tested and approved by specific accredited laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories or labs meeting international ISO/IEC standards. It mandates that these batteries display a certification seal from an approved lab, including those accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 or participating in the OSHA NRTL program. The law directly affects battery manufacturers and sellers of e-bikes and e-scooters, who must ensure compliance before selling or using these devices. The requirement takes effect immediately upon passage.

Requires certain eligible persons or entities to acquire and possess opioid antagonists for emergency treatment of a person appearing to experience an opioid-related overdose.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities, school districts, and other local entities to meet minority and women-owned business participation goals when receiving state grants or appropriations for purchasing goods and services. It adds a new requirement to the state finance law, mandating compliance with existing goals under state law for all state-funded procurement, including subcontractors working with these local entities. The policy change directly affects how local governments and their contractors allocate state-funded contracts. Existing waiver options for applicants or recipients remain unaffected by this requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new standards for STEM education assessment in New York State. It requires the education commissioner to establish specific guidelines for when STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) is introduced before college, what qualifies as a valid STEM curriculum, and how student and teacher progress in these subjects will be evaluated. The bill mandates that all K-12 teachers teaching science and math must have access to new training programs under these standards, and school districts must implement the required curriculum. These changes directly affect public school students, science/math teachers, and school administrators in primary and secondary education.